Need Some Advice

Alright all of you decorator friends!  I need some advice on what to do with my boring fireplace area.  Sorry the pic isn't that great, but I'm hoping it gives you an idea of what it looks like and the space around it.  I need something RIDICULOUSLY easy that I could do myself.  If I had to have help (ok...someone else can help me level a mantel or something) I wouldn't do it. 

My ideas so far
Option 1:
Paint the "frame" of the fireplace red, black, or brown (simplest idea)
Option 2:
This one's from Mot/Pinterest.  I'd need to "dumb" it down a bit though. How I'd do that I have no idea!

Option 3:

This mantel is my fav, but I don't know where they got it. 

Finally, Option 4:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202072611&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-product-1-_-floating;mantel;202972992-_-202072611-_-N&locStoreNum=1518

This one is pretty much option 3, but without the cute, little sides.  This is what I'm leaning towards. 

Questions to think about

1. If I paint the area, what color?  (red, black, or brown?)

2. If I do get a mantel, what color? (white, black, or brown?)

3. Is a mantel a weird idea?  As you can see, my TV is right above the area.  Would a mantel just be in the way?

I need some HELP!!! 

Law Abiding Citizen

Eli and I were in the car yesterday, going to meet the Burnetts for some frozen yogurt.  We got off on our exit and were stopped at the light, getting ready to turn right.  I heard emergency vehicles coming in my general direction, but I was having trouble seeing from where.  I was able to spot them behind me, getting of the same exit ramp I just had.  I figured that I had plenty of time to turn before they reached me, but I didn't know where they were headed so I just stayed put.  Well, they rounded in front of me and happened to be turning right as well.  The passenger EMT gave me a little wave!!!  "That's right, Mr EMT! I'll help you guys out!  I AM a great citizen aren't I!?" 
And that's it.  Yes, it's post worthy. I've never had a siren blasting vehicle go around me and the person actually thank me for pulling over.  Job well done, me! 



Eli Feeds Himself!

Progression of a Mess